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B.A. Sociology & Anthropology

Program Overview

Sociology is the scientific study of social life, social change and the causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociology seeks to challenge commonly accepted explanations for human actions and social happenings by looking beyond surface content and systematically attempting to understand why things happen as they do.

The sociology major at High Point University is designed to provide students with a broad-based understanding of human behavior. Through coursework and hands-on learning experiences, students learn how to apply sociological theory and methodologies in order to critically assess situations, beliefs, policies and practices in an effort to identify possible solutions to social problems and facilitate positive social change at both the organizational and societal levels.

A Focused Curriculum

While students are required to take courses in both social theory and research methods, there is an emphasis on practical application. Most importantly, the major provides students with the flexibility to choose courses that are consistent with their life ambitions. Students planning to enter the job market after graduation may take advantage of internship opportunities. Those planning to pursue a graduate degree are encouraged to write a senior thesis and take advantage of the opportunities to engage in research practicums or collaborative research experiences with faculty.

Courses within the sociology major include:

Sociology of Mass Communication

Social and Global Inequalities

Visual Sociology and Social Documentation

Race and Ethnicity

International Migration

Sociology of Work and Family

Culture, Religion and Society

The Social Construction of Deviance

Health and Illness

Environment and Society

Career Opportunities

Combined with careful planning and practical experiences, a bachelor’s degree in sociology opens up a world of possibilities to graduates. Whether in business, government, education or human services, the knowledge acquired through a broad-focused major like sociology provides for a competitive advantage in an ever-changing world. A bachelor’s degree in sociology is also useful for those considering graduate school whether in sociology, law, politics, social work or business. Recent HPU graduates with either a major or minor in sociology have or are currently pursuing graduate degrees at the following schools:

North Carolina State University

Villanova University

Auburn University

High Point University

John Jay School of Criminal Justice

University of Hawaii

Norfolk State University

Winston-Salem State University

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Campbell University Law School

University of New Mexico

“I chose to major in sociology because I find it very interesting and believe that it will help me excel in my career as a lawyer. Sociology is a broad study and it encompasses many different interesting theories and ideas which I believe help build a well-rounded individual.”

Katie Butts,

High Point University Graduate

Course Requirements

The Department of Human Relations, Sociology, and Nonprofit Studies offers the B.A. degree in Sociology and Anthropology. To graduate from High Point University with this degree, students must complete the following: